SCOTTSBURG – Salem swept the singles while stopping Bedford North Lawrence 3-2 in the opening round of the Scott County Invitational on Friday.
BNL (3-6) continued its strong doubles play, but the Lions took a tough two-setter at No.2 singles for the deciding point.
Salem’s Samantha Calhoun edged Emily Duncan 7-6 (8-6 in the tiebreaker), 6-4 at No.2 to finish the singles sweep. Kennedy Abner topped Rachel Kidd 6-2, 6-1 at No.1, while Natalie Baker conquered Becca Epping 6-1, 6-0 at No.3.
“Emily gave a hard fight to a pretty good player,” BNL coach Joni Stigall said. “We have to get something going on the singles courts. Doubles are taking care of business, and we just need a little help from singles.”
Bella Stigall and Mallory Pride, now 9-1 as a tandem, pounded Lydia Minton and Cecile Fate 6-3, 6-1 at No.1 doubles. Kenley Craig and Izzy Alldredge improved to 6-3 as a duo with a 6-0, 6-3 win over Hannah Fleenor and Allison Cauble at No.2.
The Stars will face either Providence or Lanesville in the consolation bracket at 11 a.m. on Saturday.
“We definitely drew the more difficult path in the tourney,:” Stigall said. “But it will only make us better.”
Scott County Invitational
First round
Salem 3, BNL 2
Singles
1 Kennedy Abner, S d. Rachel Kidd 6-2, 6-1
2 Samantha Calhoun, S d. Emily Duncan 7-6 (8-6), 6-4
3 Natalie Baker, S d. Becca Epping 6-1, 6-0
Doubles
1 Bella Stigall and Mallory Pride, BNL d. Lydia Minton and Cecile Fate 6-3, 6-1
2 Kenley Craig and Izzy Alldredge, BNL d. Hannah Fleenor and Allison Cauble 6-0, 6-3
